How to Survive in Medieval England

by Toni Mount

An in-depth guide to life in medieval England, including class, housing, spirituality, fashion, grooming, food, commerce, jobs, health, law, war, and more.
 
Imagine you were transported back in time to Medieval England and had to start a new life there. Without mobile phones, ipads, internet, and social media networks, when transport means walking or, if you’re fortunate, horseback, how will you know where you are or what to do? Where will you live? What is there to eat? What shall you wear? How can you communicate when nobody speaks as you do and what about money? Who can you go to if you fall ill or are mugged in the street? However can you fit into and thrive in this strange environment full of odd people who seem so different from you?
 
All these questions and many more are answered in this new guidebook for How to Survive in Medieval England. A handy self-help guide with tips and suggestions to make your visit to the Middle Ages much more fun, this lively and engaging book will help the reader deal with the new experiences they may encounter and the problems that might occur. Know the laws so you don’t get into trouble or show your ignorance in an embarrassing faux pas.
 
Enjoy interviews with the celebrities of the day, from a businesswoman and a condemned felon, to a royal cook and King Richard III himself. Have a go at preparing medieval dishes and learn some new words to set the mood for your time-travelling adventure. Have an exciting visit but be sure to keep this book at hand.
 
“Fun and creative. . . . If you want a handy guide to take on your journeys to the past or you just want a book to better understand the past, I highly suggest you read this book, “How to Survive in Medieval England” by Toni Mount.” —Adventures of a Tudor Nerd

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval, Medieval History, Audiobook, Historical, British Literature

159 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 11, 2021

About the author

Toni Mount is a writer, teacher and speaker, specialising in ordinary lives and fascinating characters from history. She has an MA by Research from the University of Kent. Diplomas in European Humanities, Literature and Creative Writing and a first class honours degree from the Open University.

Reviews

[Petra X]

RTC. I finished the book. It is very light reading which I'm not used to with history books but think it is a) the brilliance of the writer and b) the subject is not a deep one, but one describing many aspects of day to day life. The section on the law and courts was very good. Especially about France which was totally nuts and as in England did put animals on trial. But caterpillars? And a defence council for rats saying they were frightened to come to court because of the cats... And hanging a pig and all her piglets for being accessories to the crime... nuts!
__________

In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church was the ultimate power and exerted its power in the bedroom (or at least attempted to). Sex was permitted only the missionary position in the dark, definitely no candles, and eyes had to be closed to you couldn't see your partner naked. Enjoyment of the act, which was only for making babies, was forbidden!

It was forbidden during pregnancy, breast-feeding and fast days. Also during a woman's period. But if she did the dirty deed then, everyone would know, the child would be a redhead! Sex outside marriage was naturally forbidden, but should a woman get pregnant she had to pay a fine and was much castigated. The man, things being the same then as now, was not called a dirty slut, fined or had to take any responsibility at all for the pregnancy if he didn't want to.

I like the way the time-traveller type history books are written. Most history is about politics, wars, and kings, very much his-story and mostly about the rich and powerful. These books bring it down to earth. How people lived, what they wore, how often they changed their underwear (daily if they could afford spare clothes), their night caps (once a month) - headgear being de rigeur in bed and out of it, I wonder why?

Interesting book, very enjoyable.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author’s gimmick here is to pretend the reader will time travel to medieval England and need information that a 21st century person does not have. You read lots and lots of facts that I’d guess even those with some interest in medieval times do not have in full. She lightly covers work, homes, food, church, women’s lives, law, medicine and a host of other things.

It may be pretty superficial but it is entertaining. Toni Mount writes novels set in medieval times and shares some of what she has learned here. Even though the vast majority of people then were in the underclasses it seems like the elite get more than their fair share of attention. Ms. Mount does make it clear that lives of the elite were more colorful in most every way except for their bread which was white.

Serfs=rough uncolored clothing, dirtier, smokier living conditions, pottage, mixed grain bread, whatever vegetables that could be grown by your hovel and ale morning noon and night. At all times work, work, work for the man.

Upper classes=colorfully dyed clothing, meats and sweets at every meal (no veg, that’s for the lower orders) and probably ale morning noon and night just like the serfs. Because they had people to look after them and more bathing opportunities they may have had somewhat cleaner lives, but there were fleas for all.

[Beata · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always prefer massive books on the Middle Ages, and this one seemed too short. It is a light read, with some basic insight, perfect for those who start reading about the period.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like non fiction with this or similar premise. It's very fun to learn real facts but making it sounds like a kind of travel guide.

[Juliew. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seriously charming book.So easy and fun to read and packed full of interesting information.I loved how it was organized and I liked how it wasn't a huge time investment.You could just pick it up and put it down without much concentration about what you had read before which happened to be just what I had been looking for in that moment.
A big thank you to Netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Randal White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, interesting read. Suitable for adults, as well as for middle to high school students. The author gives an excellent overview of what it would have been like to have been transported in time to Medieval England. What you would eat and what you would wear. How you would be expected to act, and how to stay out of trouble. What to do if you get sick (spoiler: just don't).
I see that the author has written several other books. I have already downloaded the first one on my Kindle, and look forward to reading it. I guess that alone should alert you that I think she is very good, and that you, also, might like to read her work.

[Kimmy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable what to do/what not to do journey through the Mediaeval era, with tips and facts on every facet of life back then. Regular readers of historical fiction will only find a few new snippets, but for the uninitiated, it’s a gateway drug to historical fiction stories. I’ve often dreamed of - while not living, because my 21st century self would struggle with the day to day, certainly observing the life, inasmuch as an observer is less likely to be burned as a witch, which modern me and my big mouth would inevitably be. The one down side for me were the few sections set out as interviews, which added nothing to my reading experience, however each to their own.
With thanks to Pen and Sword History press and NetGalley for a preview copy.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Pen and Sword History for the eARC!

That was so much fun! I loved the travel guide style, with all the tropes you'd expect to find in one.

I have to confess, history was one of my least favourite subjects in school, and I never developed an interest in it later. I recently read a couple of fictional books set in medieval times, though, so when I saw this book I was curious to learn more.

It was an accessible and fun overview of life in the Middle Ages (although it seemed to focus more on 11-14th centuries). It was all interesting (maybe the parts about warfare and law less so for me), but I particularly loved finding out things like word origins, or why the tax year end on 5th April here!

May have to buy the book for a few friends I kept pestering with quotes!

[Cav · Rating 5 out of 5]

"However mysterious our future may be, at least we know something about our past. This book is intended as a handy guide to the dos and don’ts for visitors to Medieval England: do be polite, don’t drink the water, do wear rabbit fur, don’t expect to eat with a fork, etc..."

How to Survive in Medieval England was a fun read. I enjoyed the writing here. Kitschy books like this can be really hard to pull off effectively, in my experience. Writing a cheeky book like this really tests a writer's chops. Fortunately, I feel that the author did a great job on this one.

Author Toni Mount is a historian and writer from Gravesend, Kent, England. She is best known for her nonfiction medieval history books.

Toni Mount:


Mount gets the writing here off to a promising start with a well-written intro. I found her style to be whimsical and funny. She managed to thread the needle and produce writing that was both entertaining and engaging. Good stuff.

She drops the quote at the start of this review early on, and it continues:

"...How do you find your way around without GPS, Sat Nav or even signposts? Where can you get a decent meal; what will be served and how will it taste? What should you do if you meet royalty? If you’re not well, who should you see about it? Where can you stay? What should you wear for a night on the town? How do you contact a friend or relative1 without social media or skype and no wi-fi to look up information? (For looking stuff up, I’m afraid this book is all that will be available.) And most importantly, how do you get money to spend when there are no credit/ debit cards or cash points, or even banks?"

The book is chock full of little tidbits of humourous writing; detailing daily life in medieval England. Here is another funny short quote:

"Even when sex is permitted only the missionary position, with the man on top, has Church approval and it must be done after dark, without candlelight, and eyes closed so you can’t see your partner naked. And on no account must you enjoy yourself. It’s a wonder we’re not extinct..."

I also wanted to include this funny quote about courts trying animals for criminal offenses in France:

"...Although this guidebook is concerned with medieval England, you may wish to travel overseas during your visit. Therefore, it is as well to be aware of some oddities concerning crime and punishment in France. These cases are difficult to take seriously in the twenty-first century, but they were of great concern at the time. The French seem to be even more especially keen to prosecute animals than the English. Pigs are given a particularly hard time, but lesser creatures are not let off lightly either, as in these three cases.
In 1386, in Falaise in Normandy, a pig was accused of murdering an infant. She was tried and convicted by a court and hanged at the gallows by the village hangman. Her six piglets were charged with being accessories to the crime but were acquitted ‘on account of their youth and their mother’s bad example’.
The Grand Vicar of Valence, who must surely have been quite mad, brought a case against some caterpillars. They were accused of wilfully destroying his crops and summoned to appear in court. When the malefactors didn’t appear to defend themselves, a lawyer was appointed for them. However, he failed to make an adequate case for the caterpillars and the court found them guilty as charged and banished them from the diocese. No doubt they complied, eventually, turning into innocent butterflies and flying away from that mad place.
Finally, the rats of Autun in France had a gifted lawyer to defend them. The rats were accused by the local barley growers of thieving their grain. The lawyer, Chassenee, claimed that the case could only proceed if every rat in the diocese was summoned to court so that those that were guilty – if any were – could be divided from the innocent rodents. So all rats were duly ordered to appear. Non-appearance was usually taken as an admission of guilt but when the rats didn’t come to court, clever Chassenee argued that every felon was deserving of safe conduct to and from the trial. Since the rats couldn’t be certain of not being eaten by the local cats on their journey, they were too afraid to appear. The rats were therefore acquitted in their absence and Chassenee became the lawyer of choice for all local felons, two-legged, four-legged or winged."

A pig stands trial for murder:

********************

I really enjoyed this one. It was a nice, fun, light-hearted break from some of the more serious books I typically read. I would definitely recommend it.
5 stars.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Always keep your purse hidden, out of sight under your clothes. Medieval thieves are known as ‘cut-purses’ for a reason, but at least there are no pickpockets as pockets haven’t been invented yet.”

This is written as a travel book for those who are fortunate enough to live in a time where time travel occurs. Should you wish to travel back to Medieval England, 1154 - 1485, this book hopes to enlighten you on what to expect during your stay, how to prepare for your journey (get every vaccination you can) and how to live every day life and socialize.

The book is full of interesting facts. The church controls most peoples daily lives. Everyone is expected to attend church and be a good Catholic. Sex is considered a necessary evil. Everyone works to some degree or other.

There are chapters on law, clothing, what is eaten, where and how to shop, how to care for your body, marriage, divorce, how family members are treated, money and weights & measures.

There is a large section on health and medicine (hint don’t get sick, though the surgeons are better than the doctors).

"Medieval England is a third world country. Medical practice is more like witch-doctoring, sepsis is a daily risk ."

There is a section about warfare during that time period and why it is so prevalent.

I found this book to be a interesting diversion from my normal reading. The history lessons are informative, and there are explanations for a number of modern day expressions that found their origins during this time period. Still, I don’t see myself making a long journey to medieval England, just enough to satisfy my curiosity, and then I’d probably opt for the Victorian era.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying what an interesting, fun read this was. I really enjoyed how it was written in a travel guide style. It made me feel like I was really going on a trip and what to expect, as if I were researching any other trip that I would be going on.

I'm a huge history buff, and medieval times are my favorite time period in history. I was thrilled to find this book and be able to read about it. I love the tips sections, and the little "interviews". It's obviously very well-researched.

I felt that it offered a fun and funny overview of life in the Middle Ages, and it was interesting and very informative. I plan on purchasing the hardcover when it comes out. I enjoyed the photos included. Such an enjoyable read.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received How to Survive in Medieval England as part of a NetGalley giveaway.

If you were to travel back in time to medieval England, what would you eat? Or wear? What would your living conditions be like? What would your profession be? How to Survive in Medieval England seeks to answer those questions on at least a basic level, with this easy-to-consume primer on daily life.

This was a neat little book, a quick read that would do well for anyone wanting an introduction to the world of medieval England. So often we get histories where we hear about great political events, but rarely do we hear about the minutiae of daily life for the masses. In particular, it would be useful for any historical fiction author interested in writing about the period, as it gives a lot of interesting detail about the circumstances and realities of everyday people. A couple segments seemed a bit juvenile and silly, such as the "interviews" with historic figures, but on the whole this was a neat and fun read.

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Medieval England from 1154-1485. It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. OK, it was the worst. But you are stuck here so you might as well make the best of it. Your time machine has accidentally thrust you here. How do you navigate life before the Internet and Alexa? Use the How to Survive in Medieval England guidebook. The guide has everything a lost time traveler, or an author setting their book in this period, needs to know. You wouldn’t want to confuse a forest with a woodland, would you?

Enchanting look back at how I would be dead in a minute if I lived in Medieval England. I’m not sure how my ancestors survived. Though, of course, I’m glad they did.

If you ever think that the age of knights and damsels in distress was exciting or romantic, How to Survive in Medieval England will set you straight. You were more likely a serf or a slave than a king or even a merchant. And everything was trying to kill you.

This is a great read for those interested in the lifestyles of the period. Perfect, as I’ve said, for authors of books set within the period. Plus, it’s pretty eye-opening that only the Plague allowed the poor a chance to better themselves. 5 stars!

Thanks to Pen & Sword History and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Zuzana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was a bit frivolous but thoroughly enjoyable and unexpectedly informative fun read. It sums up a medieval day-to-day life in 10 chapters, each dedicated to one aspect of life, for example health, family or law and order. I took the book on vacation and because I guffawed every once in a while when reading it I had to share funny bits with my friend who constantly asked what I'm laughing at. This was a win.

Disclaimer: I got this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Heidi Malagisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you were able to travel back in time to the medieval ages and had to start your life all over again? Could you make the transition from the 21st century to the medieval period with no electronic technology and different customs? What would you wear? How would you get around with no cars and horses being very expensive? Where would you live? What job would you have? These questions and quandaries are answered in the latest nonfiction book by Toni Mount aptly entitled, “How to Survive in Medieval England”.

I would like to thank Pen and Sword Books and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this book. I have found time travel books really interesting in the past few years, so I was intrigued when I heard about this title.

Mount has created a fun and creative guide for those who have a passion for medieval England. For clarification, Mount defines medieval from 1154 to the death of King Richard III in 1485. It’s quite a range, but it gives the reader a chance to see how England transformed during the medieval time. In this book, Mount gives her readers the everyday details that they would want if they traveled to the past or if they just wanted to better understand the past. The information that Mount includes is practical and easy to follow so that anyone who is jumping into the past can understand.

The true highlight of this title and what separates Mount’s book from other time-traveling books are the interviews. No, she does not have her own Tardis, but it feels like she might with these passages. Mount has taken historical figures, both well known and those who her audience might not be familiar with, and has decided to write discussions with them to better understand the past and the motivation for their actions. It is a brilliant way for an author who writes both historical fiction and nonfiction to express their craft in a unique and engaging way.

I have read a few time travel books and I have to say, this one is special. It is one that is engaging for history experts and novices alike. There are warnings, but Mount has also included a bit of humor to make sure that her audience realizes that the past was not always dark.

Medieval England may look drastically different than our 21st century, but if you break it down, the people of the past are just trying to survive the best that they can just like we are. If you want a handy guide to take on your journeys to the past or you just want a book to better understand the past, I highly suggest you read this book, “How to Survive in Medieval England” by Toni Mount.

[Bookgyrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been interested in Medieval times. So when I saw this book I knew I needed to read it. A time traveller to Medieval England? Count me in!

The book tells you exactly what to expect should you time travel to medieval times and let me tell you: it ain't pretty! What would you eat, wear, drink and where how would you live? Your life expectancy, marriage, divorce, religion, medicine. Wow. I knew my romance novels were not exactly spot on but .. ok... Don't think the authors will use this book as research because the romance is sucked right out of you haha.

I have never been happier to live in the 21st Century :-)

*** I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***

[SheLove2Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nor what I gathered it was going to be. Disappointing.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun introduction to (ideas and theories about) daily life in the later Middle Ages, especially suited to teens and young adults.

If this book would be classified as such (Teens & YA section) I would happily rate it 4 stars, because the tone and language used seem aimed at young readers and it is very engaging for them. Also, this book will be great as a companion to a history class in middle school and/or high school.

For adult readers, IMHO, the tone and depth of information offered, is lacking a bit.

ARC provided by Netgalley

[Julie Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superficial but fun. An excellent introduction, kind of like "middle ages for dummies" with quick tips and short 'interviews' with people (which you will either think are clever or very silly.) Covers various aspects of medieval English life with each chapter asking something like: How does the Church rule your life, What do you eat and how is it prepared, etc. Additional chapters on Clothing, the law, medicine, and work. What is nice is this focuses on the 'normal' people as compared to only the rich (although it does have an amazing listing of what King Richard had prepared for his guests at a feast, which was astounding!)

The chapters on law (putting rats on trial, they are acquitted because they are afraid to come to court due to the cats) and medicine (how to not kill your patients with similar looking plants) are particularly amusing.

Is a quick read (or listen, audiobook is enjoyable).

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Toni Mount has such a clever way with phrasing words! Medieval life wouldn't have been all that funny but Mount uses wit and humour to inform and tell stories in a fascinating and engaging way. The book is chock full of interesting information, definitions, conversations and illustrations which will be critical for us twenty first century time travelers as we navigate the medieval era. We go on a journey and meet many people on the way, including their expressions and vernacular of the time. Brilliant. We watch their interactions, where they bake and eat, what they do at their jobs and at home, what and how they eat and drink and the hats they wear.

I have read every book on the topic that I can get my hands on and was excited to see this one. I learned more about the strict Forest Law, professions (inconsistent spellers need not be concerned), how to create Jowtes with Almond Milk, laws to regulate the length of long-toe shoes, the reason for cushions in the bath, busted medical myths, marriage vows, sharing a bed complete with a stranger and fleas at a guesthouse, entertainment, currency and loads more. Not only that but the author includes essential definitions for herriot, paliasse, solar, frumenty, codwainer, ayren, deodand and the origin of words including amaze and upper crust. I will not see "goose bumps" in the same light again!

This entertaining book should be on everyone's list if you are even remotely interested in the Medieval time period and how people lived then. For those of you who may be concerned, it is not written like a dry textbook. Far from it.

My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this superb book! I enjoyed it thoroughly.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I spent almost as much time laughing as I did learning while reading "How to Survive in Medieval England". It's a whole heap of fun, completely fascinating, beautifully written, and full of "OMG" facts (look out for the "Cinderella" part in particular!). If anyone manages to invent a time machine, I'd be quite happy to test my survival skills in Medieval England now I've read this book!

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read, with lots of information written in an easy-to-read style that keeps you interested all the way through. I loved the idea of making it into a time-travelling guide, and comparing medieval lifestyles with 21st century ones. A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed!

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm addicted to "How to Survive" books as I love the mix of historical facts and humour.
This one is no exception.
I learned a lot about Middle Age in an entertaining way.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Survive In Medieval England by Toni Mount

With a daughter teaching courses dealing with this time period, I thought it would be interesting to find out more about the era. This book is one that was easy to read, filled with information that was sometimes new and sometimes a reinforcement of knowledge I had already.

The chapters include:
* Introduction to an imaginary trip into a different time
* Social Structure & Housing
* Beliefs & Religious Ideas
* Clothing & Appearance
* Food & Shopping
* Health & Medicine
* Work & Leisure
* Family Matters
* Warfare
* Law & Order

Each chapter has information, illustrations, some warnings, and suggestions and scattered throughout are imaginary conversations with people of interest.

I can see this being use as a resource by teachers and authors, a book to be added to libraries, a possible reading selection for students, and of interest to those just wanting more information. It would not provide an encyclopedia of necessary information to truly survive if one were to find themselves in the past, but it is a good introduction to the time period and left me happy to live now and not back then.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword History for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Pen and Sword for granting my wish to read this.

This was everything I expected it to be and more. This felt like a Lonely Planet travel guide for Medieval England. I really enjoyed the language, format and tone of this. Mount relays information in an easy, lighthearted way that is accessible for all. This could be read by anyone regardless of whether or not they had any prior knowledge of Medieval history.

Mount includes fictionalised interviews with real figures that are rooted in reference materials from the time period. I thought this was a great way to engage a reader and really helpful in providing examples of different ways of life.

I think my favourite part might have been the section regarding Law and Order; there's a small reference to the trial of animals that is particular fascinating/bizarre!

Solid 4 out of 5 stars!

[Mana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Were you ever interested how life was in medieval times? Well, with this useful guide you will get all information you need to survive in these brutal and hard circumstances. Compared to medieval man, modern man is pretty weak and without necessary knowledge and skills for that time.

The book offers many answers and information in order to blend in with locals during the back in time adventure. Expect discomfort, dirt, hard work and language difficulties.

The reader learns about social structure and housing, beliefs and religious ideas, clothing and appearance, food and shopping, health and medicine, work and leisure, family matters, warfare and law and order. And all that with a great humour, witt and intelligible narrative, illustrations and photographs.

Superb book for all history enthusiasts!

[Ambrogio · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very accessible romp through medieval history as viewed through the lens of “everyday life” - but it’s almost random in its focus, and confirms rather than tackles lots of inaccurate myths about medieval life

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so fun!

[AMELIA O'REILLY · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn’t survive <3 <3

[Michelle Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Survive in Medieval England is a time traveller's guide to making it through the basics of medieval life. Focused on the years between 1066 and 1485 the book covers things like clothing, housing, transportation, and religion.

What this isn't is an in depth guide to the period. It's not a political look at the time. Nor is it a sociological look. It's very clearly intended to be an armchair guide to a medieval newbie who wants to travel back in time to visit an ancestor of six.

The book is well laid out with each section clearly defined. In some places the author imagines interviews with people of the time, interviews which were based on primary sources. The writing style is engaging and easy to read. I zipped through this book in an evening.

Not only would this book be good for a time traveler, but it would also be a good starting point for a fiction author. It gives a lot of the basics of what life is like during the time and it covers the things that most fiction readers want to know: what the people ate, what they wore, and how did they go to the bathroom.

In all this book is a fun, light read that does what it sets out to do.

Five Stars

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley